Help with URL (GET Function)

I am developing a site that uses the GET function, the URL's look like this:

It's an ugly URL, how an I make it simply:

Your assistance is appreciated.

add this to your .htaccess...

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^user/([^/]+)/?$ /showcase.php?u=$1

all your code can stay the same but the link should be...

instead of...

the old and new links will work but always link it as your new style (www.mydomain.com/user/user_id)